Soccer Academy
The goal of the Soccer Academy program is to provide young soccer players with an environment to develop their skills to reach their full potential. Our academies offer comprehensive programs designed to challenge and inspire each player, regardless of their current level of play.
In addition to technical and tactical training, we place a strong emphasis on character development, sportsmanship, and teamwork. Our academies believe in helping players grow not only as soccer players, but also as well-rounded individuals.
Whether players are just starting out or looking to take their game to the next level, ECSD soccer academies are the ideal place for student athletes to achieve their goals. Join us and experience the best in soccer training and development available in Edmonton.
"Shaping Quality Players and People"
Mission:
The Mount Carmel Soccer Academy fosters student excellence in academics and sport performance. This program is designed to promote a healthy lifestyle through the medium of sport and facilitate the development of the student athlete’s athletic ability.
Goals:
- Our Goal at the Mount Carmel Soccer Academy is to provide each student-athlete an opportunity to pursue excellence in both academics and soccer.
- We strive to have student-athletes improve and develop the technical, physical, mental and tactical demands of the game.
- Throughout the program and training, students improve their time management, independence and organizational skills. All required to achieve his/her soccer goals.
- Provide a positive and individualized experience to assist the student-athlete in their total development.
Eligibility
Our Commitment
At OLMC, we aim to develop well‑rounded student‑athletes who thrive not only on the ice but also in the classroom and in their daily interactions. We believe in nurturing skill, character, and leadership through a supportive yet high‑expectation environment designed for growth.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel’s Sport Academies offer students in Grades 3–6 the opportunity to develop athletically, academically, and personally through high‑quality training and character‑building experiences. Our academies welcome male and female athletes of all skill levels, from intermediate to advanced, who demonstrate a desire to learn, improve, and uphold the expectations of an elite training environment.
Students who apply to the OLMC Sport Academies are expected to show:
Academic Readiness
Academy athletes train every afternoon and all academics are delivered within a condensed morning schedule. Students must be able to stay focused, work efficiently, and maintain consistent academic effort. We review each applicant’s academic achievement to ensure they can successfully manage this accelerated timetable.
Character & Coachability
Successful student‑athletes are:
- Organized, dedicated, and self‑motivated
- Hard‑working and willing to push themselves physically and mentally
- Respectful toward peers, teachers, and coaches
- Coachable — ready to listen, learn, and apply feedback
- Demonstrating positive behavior and accountability
We require a character reference from a club coach or another sport’s coach to confirm the student’s work ethic, attitude, and suitability for a training‑focused program.
Application Requirements
All new academy applicants are assessed on the following:
Shadow Day
Before acceptance, each applicant completes a shadow day where they participate in the afternoon academy session. This ensures:
- The student experiences the pace and expectations of the program
- Coaches and teachers can assess readiness, engagement, and coachability
Application/Pre-Enrollment
- New students to ECSD must complete a New Registration through our division https://ourladyofmountcarmel.ecsd.net/register
- Students currently attending an ECSD school indicate Our Lady of Mount Carmel School > Soccer Academy in their child's pre-enrolment
Coach and/or Teacher Character Reference
An athletic coach reference and/or a school‑based teacher reference help us understand the student’s learning and to verify commitment, work ethic, and readiness for structured training. This reference is sent directly to the Soccer Director upon completion of the Shadow Day.
Academic & Behavior Review
We review report cards, learning skills, work completion, and behavioral history. Students must demonstrate habits aligned with our Student Code of Conduct, including:
- Respect
- Responsibility
- Self‑discipline
- Positive citizenship
- Consistent effort and completion of work
Capacity & Safety Considerations
Enrollment is limited each year to ensure a high‑quality, safe, and developmentally appropriate program.
We must maintain:
- Effective coach‑to‑athlete ratios
- Safe training group sizes
- Available field and facility bookings
Because of these factors, academy capacity varies year to year and acceptance is not guaranteed, even for eligible applicants.
Staff
Our Academy sessions are led by qualified, experienced and Licensed Academy Coaches that have played the game at various University and Collegiate levels. Our Coaches have the desire and passion to help progress our athletes not only on the soccer pitch, but also in the classroom. Our Coaching team works together to develop a training curriculum that follows the Canada Soccer requirements for Long Term Player Development (LTPD) and aims to deliver appropriate sessions that cater to the needs of our players.
Sinisa Matic, Lead Instructor
Coaching Experience:
- FC Viktoria Soccer Club, Edmonton - Technical Director - 2023 - Present
- South West Sting FC, Edmonton - Technical Director - 2018 - 2023
- South West Sting FC, Edmonton - Technical Coach - 2011 - 2018
- South West Sting FC, Edmonton - U17 Girls Coach - 2016 - 2018
- South West Sting FC, Edmonton - U15 - U17 Boys Coach - 2011 - 2016
- Edmonton Drillers Club - U10 Girls Development Coach - 2011 - 2012
- Edmonton Drillers Club - U18, U12, U14 Boys Coach - 2009 - 2012
Playing Experience
- Edmonton Drillers, North America Professional League - 2009 - 2011
- Saskatoon Accelerators, North America Professional Indoor League - 2008
- NAIT, ACAC - 2005 - Nationals
- Concordia University College, ACAC - 2001 - Nationals
- Victoria Soccer Club, Alberta Major League Soccer - 1997 - 2003
- Rasen Sport Elmshorn, Germany 4th Div - 1994 - 1997
- 1 SC Norderstedt, Germany 3rd Div Bundesliga(Oberliga) - 1992 - 1994
- FK Rudar-Ljubija, former Yugoslavia 2nd Div- 1990-1992
- FK Prijedor, Bosnia & Herzegovina Youth Soccer League - 1980 - 1990
AWARDS
- CCAA Award – All Star Player 2001
- Athlete Of The Year – Concordia College 2001
- CCAA – Award All Star Player 2005
- World Masters Games - Gold Medal 2005
- Western National Masters – Gold Medal 2010 - Victoria Soccer Club
COACHING LICENSE
National Youth Licence, Canada Soccer Association
C-License- Alberta Soccer Association
Coach Luke
Coach Izo
Coach Zeljko
Schedule Information
The grades 3-6 training programs are scheduled from September to June.
- The grade 3 program runs Wednesday and Friday afternoons.
- The grades 4-6 program runs Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons.
Core Courses:
- Core courses are scheduled around the academy program and accommodate the required core course minutes.
OLMC Soccer Academy students will participate in one to two off-field sessions per week.
Students will work with instructors and trainers during this time to improve their flexibility, strength, speed, agility and conditioning, and teamwork.
| Fitness | Mental Training | Health and Physical Education |
|---|---|---|
| Fitness Testing | Goal Setting | Nutrition |
| Flexibility | Relaxation and Activation | Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Ball Hockey, Badminton, Cooperative Games, etc. |
| Plyometrics | Visualization | Team Building |
| Strength Training | Imagery | Guest Speakers |
| Aerobic and Anaerobic Training | Focusing | Body Composition |
| Cross Training | Leadership | Fitness and Wellness |
| Speed and Agility Training | Self Awareness | Sports Injuries |
| Yoga |
Activities
OLMC Soccer Academy students participate in a number of different activities and will have guest speakers throughout the school year.
These activities complement the physical education and health component of the Alberta Curriculum as well as athletic development and team building.
Past Activities:
- Wall Climbing
- Ultimate Frisbee
- Basketball
- Badminton
- Volleyball
- Swimming
- Yoga
- Bowling
- Ball Hockey
- Golfing
- Fit Set Ninja
- Curling
Facilities
Potential facility sites listed below:
- Sports TC
- Edmonton Soccer Dome
- Turf Training Center #4
- Edmonton South Side Indoor Soccer Center
- Commonwealth Recreation Center
- Outdoor field at Mount Carmel School during Fall and Spring
- Outdoor field at Louis St. Laurent during Fall and Spring
Soccer Academy Fees
Sports Academies are programs of choice that involve significant program fees. As such, it is important that parents are aware of how funds are being allocated. Each spring, a preliminary budget for the current school year, along with actual expenditures for the previous year, are posted on the school academy website pages. Sport Academy Fees are spent on student programming, including basic apparel packages, professional coaches and instructors, transportation, venue and tournament fees. For your information, Academy Fees do not include the cost for instruction by certified teachers or instructor apparel. Those costs, as well as additional costs for advertising, are covered by the school.
Academy Fees do not include basic school fees. Basic school fees are charged separately and are in addition to Sports Academy Fees.
If we do not spend all of the funds collected through Sports Academy fees, then the remaining dollars are credited toward the following year fees or reimbursed.
Upon acceptance into one of our Sports Academies, families are required to secure the athlete's registration by May with either:
- A non-refundable deposit that covers apparel, venue, and coaching costs for September, or
- Full payment of the annual fee schedule.
At registration in August, parents will have the option to either pay any remaining fees in full or opt for a monthly payment plan.
For your convenience, fees may be paid online through PowerSchool. We also accept Visa, or Mastercard in our school office. Please contact our school office at (780) 433 - 1062 for more information about fee payments.
Fee Schedule
2026-2027 OLMC Soccer Academy Estimated Fee Report
2025 - 2026 OLMC Soccer Academy Projected Fee Report
Academy Registration Timeline
| New Students | Current ECSD Students | ||
| February | Registration Open for NEW STUDENTS to ECSD
| February | Pre-Enrolment on Parent PowerSchool
Complete Pre-Enrolment on Parent PowerSchool |
| April | Academy Admission Process Begins
| April | Academy Continuation
Returning academy students must have met academic standards in the previous year to continue. |
| April 30 | Contract Deadline
| April 30 | Contract Deadline
Failure to complete by the deadline runs the risk of placement secure placement in the academies. |
| May | Confirmation of Acceptance and Contracts Distributed
| May | Confirmation of Acceptance and Contracts Distributed
|
| May 31 | Deposit Due & Apparel Order Completed
OR
| ||
Shadow Days
The Mount Carmel Soccer Academy offers a shadow day for prospective student-athletes, who are interested in our Soccer Academy, to experience what our program has to offer.
The potential soccer academy student will have an opportunity to spend a day at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School.
Students attend academic classes for a portion of the day and participate in the soccer program for the other portion.
Please Contact:
Mount Carmel Soccer Academy
10524 - 76 Ave. Edmonton Alberta
Phone: (780) 433-1062
